Four students have linked up with local companies as part of a modern apprenticeship scheme following a Work Readiness Course at the College’s Finnart Street Campus.
One student, Greg Smith, 25, clinched an apprenticeship in the Holiday Inn Express after doing a work placement. Through his time there, he has been able to develop skills in customer care, money handling, teamwork and communication.
Greg said “It’s been really good, everyone is pleased with me and with what I am doing”.
Hotel General Manager Colin Moore is so impressed he says he would be happy to give Greg a job now. He said, “I have no hesitation about giving Greg a full-time job. Greg’s willingness to learn and adapt to tasks is great and when unsure he will ask and clarify to ensure a great end result. His attention to detail and his effort into every task is 100 per cent”.
Two of Greg’s fellow students – 21 year old John Hughes and William McIlroy who’s 25 – have secured apprenticeships with Lithgows bar in Cathcart Street.
William was taken on as a kitchen assistant, after completing a work placement in The Exchange.
He said “I’ve been preparing and making food and serving customers, basically anything that the chef asks me to cook – It’s something I like doing”.
William, who previously worked in the college coffee shop and who also won the Chairperson’s Award at the College’s recent Graduation Ceremony added:
This has brought me out of my shell. It’s given me more experience with working with the public and I’ve learned new things.
The programme – called Values Into Action Scotland – has been funded through the Scottish Government and operates in conjunction with the council, college and Skills Development Scotland.
Another two Greenock students have also secured modern apprenticeships through the project, Kyle Williamson, 24, has been taken on by the Waterfront Cinema and Stewart Paton, 22, is working at the SDS head office in Glasgow.
Praising the initiative, Leeann Turley, an employability adviser with West College Scotland said:
It helps people to build up their skills to get a step on the career ladder with a qualification attached to it. We are looking to place more apprentices in retail and in office environments.
SDS’s Kirsteen Allison added: “The West College Scotland project is a great example of how the right support can make a real difference. It is providing opportunities for young people in Inverclyde who might not otherwise have got the chance”.
If any local companies are willing to take on an apprentice they should contact Leeann on 01475 724 433.
Credit: Thank you to George Munro (Photography) and Lorraine Tinney (Reporter) from the Greenock Telegraph.